Forum Discussion

Hermes's avatar
Hermes
Explorer
May 26, 2015

Which 5th Wheel for Full Timeing

We have decided to full time, decided on a 5th wheel and plan to do so no sooner than November 2015, so we have time to look for a trailer. Since we will be full timing we are paying close attention to trailers built for and designed for the full timer, overall build quality and of course floor plan which is of course a personal choice. We started our research and have started looking at different trailers. So far we have narrowed it down to (not in any particular order Artic Fox, Keystone Montana, Jayco Pinnacle, Heartland Landmark and Open Range. I am interested to hear from others if we are on the right track, if there are others I am overlooking that are well suited to full time living and if any doing the same in any of the above mentioned units and how they are holding up. Thank you.
  • MPI_Mallard's avatar
    MPI_Mallard
    Explorer
    May 26, 2015
    We own a Cedar Creek Daydreamer, fantastic fiver and the kids at Cedar Creek are the best!
  • BarbeeC's avatar
    BarbeeC
    Explorer
    May 26, 2015
    My husband and I (and two dogs) just started full timing last October. We bought a 40ft. Montana 3402RL and LOVE IT! It has 4 slide outs, lots of storage, and the thing I like most about it...Sink and vanity in the bedroom. You need to check out pictures on line. It pulls like a dream with our 1 ton Chevy. We have put it through the test with freezing temperatures and having the electric fireplace in the livingroom made it really cozy. There is also a very desk in the living room. We had cocktail party before we left and 8 people were actually able to sit inside, visit and enjoy snack. Always a few minor things to fix. But warranty is taking care of everything. Hope this helps. Happy Full Timing!!
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    May 26, 2015
    I have a Montana, but not a full timer. But being a member of the very active Montana Owners Club forum, I know there are a lot of Montana full timers very happy with their units.
  • wclement1248's avatar
    wclement1248
    Explorer
    May 26, 2015
    We have a KZ Stoneridge rear kitchen. It is designed for full time living and has met our needs very well. We purchased new and especially like the two year warranty on everything. If the component manufacturer only offers one year, KZ covers the remainder
  • n7bsn's avatar
    n7bsn
    Explorer
    May 26, 2015
    Obviously most will recommend the rig they own... But how deep are your pockets?

    If you are looking new only, I would first recommend New Horizons. But they -start- at $100,000. I've seen units that run over $300,000. Plus you need a real truck, even a "one-ton" will not cut it.

    I'd also recommend DRV and NuWa (there are still a few new NuWa's).

    Used I'd add in Excel by Peterson and a few others.

    But on your list I would (only) recommend Arctic Fox (what I own of course)
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    May 26, 2015
    Check with the RV Consumer Group, www.rv.org for their recommendations on what an RV for full-timing should have. I doubt if any of the `off the assembly line' rigs meet their criteria.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    May 26, 2015
    Floorplan...........
    One that allows you access to fridge/kitchen/bathroom and bedroom with out having to open slides
    One that feels comfortable (opposing slides----'feels' bigger)

    RV......
    Attic vents (helps remove heat in roof area)
    Highest R-value insulation
    Enclosed/heated underbelly
    Upgraded tires/axles/suspension components and shocks
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 26, 2015
    Hermes wrote:
    we have narrowed it down to (not in any particular order Artic Fox, Keystone Montana, Jayco Pinnacle, Heartland Landmark and Open Range.
    I think you need to look at DRV and Lifestyle.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    May 26, 2015
    Keep in mind that the Landmark is in a higher price range than the other models you mention. And DRV is in an even higher price range. Depends on how much you are willing and able to spend without breaking the bank and still be satisfied with what you end up buying.

    Although you always hope not to need warranty (or out of warranty) repairs it is always good to have a good local dealer with a reputable service department. I would do some research on that aspect also.

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